Highlights: OxygenOS Open Beta build rolling out to OnePlus 6, 6T, 5 and 5T. The update doesn't introduce new features. Bug fixes include fixing lag while setting alarms, video calling stability and more. The OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T are now receiving a new Open Beta build that, while not introducing any new vital changes, introduces some important bug fixes. The smartphones launched in 2018 are now running on Android 9 Pie and are on their 13th and 5th versions of OxygenOS respectively. Earlier, the OnePlus 5 and the OnePlus 5T also received an OxygenOS Open Beta update to version 27. The updates offer a variety of bug fixes. They include fixing the lag that would be experienced by a few users when setting an alarm using the clock app. The update also improves stability for video calls. Previously, OnePlus had also allowed the option for Quick Reply in landscape mode along with an optimised screenshot function. The gaming mode was enhanced along with the clock app. The users who have enrolled for the OxygenOS Open Beta program will get the new update via OTA in the next few days. Furthermore, the company also recently announced it would be holding 5G trials in India in partnership with Qualcomm. The company even showcased its 5G prototype at MWC 2019, which was powered by the Snnapdragon 855 along with the Snapdragon X50 5G modem. At the tradeshow, OnePlus also said the upcoming OnePlus flagship would not have 5G. The 5G variant will launch as a separate lineup in select markets. Later, Pete Lau also confirmed that the next OnePlus flagship would not have wireless charging. Some of the leaked renders also point to a bezel-less OnePlus flagship with a mechanical pop-up module housing the front camera. It’s still not confirmed however, and remains to be seen what OnePlus has in store for us this year. Related Reads: Upcoming OnePlus flagship won't feature wireless charging, confirms Pete Lau OnePlus 5G prototype showcased at MWC 2019
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Highlights: Xiaomi-backed gaming smartphone maker Black Shark sets up headquarters in India. The company could soon commence selling its handsets in the country. Smartphone gaming has expanded exponentially in India with games like PUBG Mobile keeping most young Indians engaged for hours. On the heels of such popular games, smartphone brands have also launched a variety of gaming-centric devices to make the most of the emerging trend. We saw Honor announce the Honor Play last year while Asus arrived with the geeked out ROG Phone. Now, Xiaomi-backed gaming smartphone maker Black Shark might soon commence selling its phones in the country. According to a report by Gadgets360, Black Shark has set up headquarters in Bengaluru. The company’s VP David Li will look after India operations while Chirag Nagendra, who was the formerly with OnePlus in the communications team has joined as Black Shark’s Marketing head. The company also announced its India presence formally and it seems to be in the process of setting up things in India. There will be an official launch date of the brand announced later. The company is known for the first Black Shark smartphone, which is Xiaomi’s gaming smartphone rival to the Razer Phone. However, it saw a limited release in just 23 countries. The Black Shark phone was notable not only for the flagship hardware and the gamer-centric design, but also for the additional controller it comes with, that are touted to make gaming much more enjoyable. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 845 SoC and comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage, along with a 5.99-inch display. It also features a liquid-cooling system inside. The company followed it up with the Black Shark Helo later in 2018. The phone has a slightly larger 6.01-inch panel and comes with 10GB of RAM and 256GB storage. Both phones have detachable controllers for gaming. Recently, Xiaomi Product Director Wang Teng Thomas also confirmed on Weibo that a Black Shark 2 is in the works and will reportedly be powered by the Snapdragon 855 flagship processor along with 8GB of RAM. India is an important market for Xiaomi with sub-brands like Redmi and Poco proving to be quite popular, especially the aggressive pricing for the hardware its phones offer. Hopefully, Black Shark will maintain that trend and who knows, maybe undercut other gaming phones in the market like the Nubia Red Magic and the ROG Phone. Related Reads: Xiaomi Black Shark First Impressions: Gamer swag!
Highlights: Asus announces Android 9 Pie Beta program for its Zenfone Max Pro M1 smartphone. Max Pro M1 users can now enroll in the program to try it out. Asus recently published a list of its devices that are slated to receive the latest Android 9 Pie update this year. The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was one of the handsets on the list and it seems like the company is making good on its promise. In a tweet, Asus announced that the Android Pie Beta Program is now official for the Max Pro M1 and users can now enrol and try out the beta build of the latest Android flavour. One can apply for the beta program here but should note that beta builds are usually buggy and are not recommended to be flashed on your daily driver. Additionally, on the beta program’s registration page, the company says it won’t provide downgrade service for beta power users, “unless beta power users would like to quit the beta user program.” One should also note that there are some requirements to participate in the Android Pie Beta program. One would, of course, need to own a ZenFone Max Pro M1 handset. They will also need to provide information that includes IMEI, Serial Number(SN), and the Current Firmware information for the beta test setting. The user needs to be used to the Android OS, which shouldn’t be a problem for an Android phone owner, and be able to read and provide feedback in English. Those who sign up for the Beta Power User Program will get to know if they are selected via email. Zenfone Max Pro M1 users, your craving for Pie ends now! We’re opening up the Android Beta Program to all those who wish to have an early taste of the Android Pie, while you wait for the official release. You may apply for the beta version by clicking here https://t.co/M2QHjSuajw pic.twitter.com/vpo5cGMD6w — ASUS India (@ASUSIndia) February 28, 2019 As we mentioned earlier, Asus has published a list of its devices that are slated to soon be updated to Android 9 Pie. It includes phones like the ROG Phone, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2, ZenFone 4 Selfie, ZenFone 4 Max and more. It should be noted that while the Zenfone 5Z and Max Pro M2 are included in the list, the two devices are already running on the latest Android Pie OS. The Zenfone 5Z is on the stable Android 9 Pie build while the beta Android Pie has been rolled out for the Max Pro M2. Related Reads: Asus ROG Phone, ZenFone Max Pro M1, Max Pro M2 and more Asus phones listed to receive Android 9 Pie update in 2019
Highlights: The Samsung Galaxy A90 could have a sliding and rotating camera It could look like a combination of the camera units seen on the Oppo N1 and Oppo Find X If you thought the slide-out camera on the Oppo Find X was cool, wait till you hear the new word on the street about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A-series smartphone. According to the popular leakster @OnLeaks, the Samsung Galaxy A90 could come with a sliding and rotating camera system. In his tweet, he believes it will be a “kinda mix between Oppo Find X and Oppo N1 systems”, which means the camera module could slide out of the smartphone’s body and rotate to face either the user or the subject behind. As sophisticated as the new camera system may sound, its inclusion on Samsung’s upcoming model isn’t confirmed. The leakster claims to have heard about it from a “new and yet unconfirmed but seemingly reliable source”. So it’s probably best to take it with a hint of salt. On the other hand, given how smartphone manufacturers are currently on a quest to find the best way to maximise the screen-to-body ratio, there’s no reason for Samsung to drop out of the game. Samsung Galaxy A90 could hit a mark between the Oppo Find X (left) and the Oppo N1 (right) If Samsung does decide to go in for a sliding and rotating camera system, it would need to add that crucial (and usually expensive) moving mechanical part. We imagine the moving module will consist of a two- or even three-camera setup that resembles the rotating unit on the Oppo N1. The big advantage will be the reduction in number of cameras needed as the same set of cameras can be used for front and rear photography. But what Samsung saves in the reduction of cameras it will lose in making the sliding, rotating unit. This new rumour about the Galaxy A90 comes a day after the launch of Samsung’s first set of Galaxy A-series smartphones in India. Samsung’s new models include the low-end Galaxy A10 (priced at Rs 8,490), the mid-range Galaxy A30 (priced at Rs 16,990) and the upper mid-range Galaxy A50 (priced at Rs 19,990). The three new Galaxy A-series smartphones are set to go on sale in the market tomorrow. Related Read: Samsung Galaxy A10, Galaxy A30, Galaxy A50 launched in India According to new and yet unconfirmed but seemingly reliable source, #Samsung #GalaxyA90 will come with a sliding and rotating camera system (kinda mix between Oppo Find X and Oppo N1 systems) which allows the camera to be used as front and rear camera depending its position... pic.twitter.com/A6NBRzFFvK — Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) 27 February 2019 
